Why Has Tourism Decreased in Egypt?

By Alice Nichols

Egypt has been a tourist hotspot for decades, attracting millions of visitors every year. However, in recent years, the number of tourists visiting Egypt has significantly decreased. This decrease in tourism can be attributed to several factors.

Political Unrest

One of the main reasons why tourism has decreased in Egypt is due to political unrest. In 2011, there was a revolution that toppled President Hosni Mubarak’s regime, leading to a period of instability and uncertainty. This political turmoil caused many tourists to cancel their travel plans, as they feared for their safety.

Terrorist Attacks

Another reason why tourism has decreased in Egypt is due to the terrorist attacks that have occurred in recent years. In 2015, a Russian passenger plane was bombed over the Sinai Peninsula, killing all 224 people on board. Following this incident, several countries suspended flights to Sharm El Sheikh, one of Egypt’s most popular tourist destinations.

Moreover, in 2018, there was a terrorist attack on a bus carrying tourists near the Giza Pyramids. This attack resulted in the death of four people and injured several others. Such incidents have deterred many tourists from visiting Egypt.

COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact on tourism in Egypt. The country closed its borders and suspended international flights for several months last year to contain the spread of the virus. As a result, the tourism industry came to a standstill during this period.

Even though international flights have resumed and tourist attractions have reopened with strict health protocols in place, many travelers are still hesitant to travel due to concerns about contracting COVID-19.

Lack of Infrastructure

In addition to these factors, another reason why tourism has decreased in Egypt is due to a lack of infrastructure. Many popular tourist destinations lack adequate facilities, such as clean restrooms and proper waste management systems. This lack of infrastructure has made it challenging for tourists to enjoy their visit to Egypt fully.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decrease in tourism in Egypt can be attributed to various factors, including political unrest, terrorist attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a lack of infrastructure. However, despite these challenges, Egypt remains a beautiful country with plenty of attractions that continue to draw visitors from around the world. As the country continues to work towards improving its infrastructure and security measures, tourism is expected to rebound in the coming years.